Quick-thinking
gym club staff and an off-duty paraedic are being credited
for saving a man's life on Monday after he had collapsed
at the club from an apparent heart attack.

A
57 year-old male was lifting weights shortly after 9 a.m.
when witnesses saw him collapse to the floor. They approached
him and alerted staff at the facility. An off-duty paramedic
who was at the facility at that time also approached and
found the man without vital signs. CPR was started by
witnesses and facility staff retrieved a nearby AED (Automatic
External Defibrillator).

One
shock was delivered by this device and the patients assessed
to have a strong pulse. Moments later paramedics arrived
as the man began to breathe on his own. A few minutes
after, he regained consciousness.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the man was conscious and
speaking to emergency room staff.

The Ottawa Paramedic Service credit the quick-thinking
staff and members at the facility for saving the man's
life. The incident is yet another example of the potential
outcome for cardiac arrest when an on-site AED is properly
used in conjunction with CPR.